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Old 01-14-2020, 02:53 PM   #1
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Joined the Basal Cell Club a Few Minutes Ago

I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.

My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?

I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?

Thanks.
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Old 01-14-2020, 03:03 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by TromboneAl View Post
I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.



My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?



I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?



Thanks.


I’m pretty certain a PA won’t do the surgery. In my case, my dermatologist didn’t even do it and they sent me to another dermatologist to have it done.
Mohs surgery isn’t pleasant, but they do get all the tissue and healing will have less scarring.
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Old 01-14-2020, 03:26 PM   #3
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Yes, in my very limited experience, most dermatologists will send you to a MOHS surgery specialist. Since it's small, you shouldn't have much to worry about.
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Old 01-14-2020, 04:38 PM   #4
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I've had a couple of basal cells and 1 squamous cell removed. All done by my regular dermatologist. He did it the old fashion way. Knife. Can hardly see a scar. I don't think MOHS surgery is even an option in my smallish town. There's only a couple dermatologist here.

I did have the blu-light treatment done a few days ago. Wasn't much to it and maybe it will head off future problems.
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Old 01-14-2020, 05:26 PM   #5
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I see a PA for my Dermatology visits, but would not let him perform my surgery.
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Old 01-14-2020, 05:32 PM   #6
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Mohs needs to be done where they can do live, on-site lab analysis of the removed material before closing the site. Other wise, it in not Mohs. There is nothing to worry about. It is simply removal by scalpel, analysis, repeat if necessary, then close. In the 2 Mohs surgery's I've had, they got it all in the 1st pass.
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Old 01-14-2020, 05:36 PM   #7
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I got the word that the little bump above my chin was basal cell cancer, and I go in to discuss treatment options on Thursday.

My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery. Are there any situations in which that isn't the best option?

I've always seen the physician's assistant at the dermatology place, but I assume the doctor would do the surgery. If they suggest the assistant do it, should I resist?

Thanks.
Find out what they suggest. I had a BIG basal cell on my chest (size of a quarter). The DR sent me to a surgical center (Moh's surgery). 5-6" scar on my chest. They actually did a good job, and the scar is not very pronounced. Had another on my back, done with the knife, at the Derm's office.

I think the face and nose would be more concerning. A scar on my chest or back is no big deal. On my face, I want better options.

Hope it works out well.
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Old 01-14-2020, 06:33 PM   #8
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I have had 4 basal cells removed , all on my right side of my body . Right shoulder, right lower shin boy was that a bitch to heal , right forearm and right temple . . Me 63 all found in the past 4 years . Mohs on the temple , the others plastic surgery removal and stitching. Just looked over my body today , no pink lesions. )
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Old 01-15-2020, 04:19 AM   #9
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I used imiquimod on a biopsy confirmed superficial basal cell on my nose. The course of treatment if 5x week for 6 weeks. The site gets sore, crusty, scabby and pretty ugly. I had Mohs scheduled for yesterday but wanted to try this first. My treatment ended Dec. 20 and last week I had another biopsy done on the site and it came back negative. I was given the option of doing the Mohs to check for any "rogue" cells or taking a "wait and see" approach. I opted for the latter. There is a 10-20% chance it could come back, if that's the case I will do the Mohs.
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Old 01-15-2020, 01:23 PM   #10
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My research suggests that I should request Mohs surgery.

I have had BCC several dozen times and had Mohs surgery 5X (I think). Accept it, get it taken care of, move on with your life.


Good luck.
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Old 01-15-2020, 06:23 PM   #11
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Will I qualify as a "cancer survivor" (assuming I survive )?
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Old 01-15-2020, 06:49 PM   #12
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Will I qualify as a "cancer survivor" (assuming I survive )?
I know you said this tongue in cheek, but it made me think.

I have had several basal cells, two squamous cells, and one small melanoma removed.

Since I have not had to go thru the radiation and chemo that my other friends with cancer have had to do, for some reason I DON'T really think of myself as having cancer. It's weird, I know.
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Old 01-15-2020, 07:13 PM   #13
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I know you said this tongue in cheek, but it made me think.

I have had several basal cells, two squamous cells, and one small melanoma removed.

Since I have not had to go thru the radiation and chemo that my other friends with cancer have had to do, for some reason I DON'T really think of myself as having cancer. It's weird, I know.
Same here with one basal and one melanoma removed.
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Old 01-15-2020, 07:51 PM   #14
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Melanoma pretty darn serious. I think successful removal of that would qualify as a cancer survivor.
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Old 01-15-2020, 08:13 PM   #15
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Melanoma pretty darn serious. I think successful removal of that would qualify as a cancer survivor.
I hear you. But it was very small and a cut and sew procedure.

FWIW, I had never been to a Derm (at 62 years, then). DW thought a big mole on my back was a problem. I finally went. The big mole is still there, no issue. But I would have never found the melanoma that early without regular visits.

I count myself lucky. I know others that have had major surgery and follow-up radiation with large melanoma cancers.
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Old 01-16-2020, 05:44 AM   #16
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My 32yo cousin passed in 1986 due to melanoma on his neck and back. Left a wife and 3 young boys, so yes , it is serious.
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Old 01-16-2020, 09:24 AM   #17
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No advice, just best wishes.
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Old 01-16-2020, 09:41 AM   #18
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I hear you. But it was very small and a cut and sew procedure.

FWIW, I had never been to a Derm (at 62 years, then). DW thought a big mole on my back was a problem. I finally went. The big mole is still there, no issue. But I would have never found the melanoma that early without regular visits.

I count myself lucky. I know others that have had major surgery and follow-up radiation with large melanoma cancers.
Mine was also rather small, although have a 4 inch knife type looking scar on the back now.
My Ex discovered a dark circle on my back and that is why I went to the doctor.
It only had one of the 4 signs of cancerous moles.
The doctor stated that eventually I would have died from it if not removed.
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Old 01-16-2020, 12:29 PM   #19
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No advice, just best wishes.
Thanks. I opted for Mohs even though it will mean a three-hour drive to Medford, OR—yay, another change to drive our new car!
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Old 01-16-2020, 12:32 PM   #20
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Thanks. I opted for Mohs even though it will mean a three-hour drive to Medford, OR—yay, another change to drive our new car!
And around all those I-5 mountain corners too!
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